U.S. patent application number 10/597528 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for simplified control system for electronic media.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scope Seven Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott Cernetic, William B. Pittard, Duncan Wain.
Application Number | 20080238708 10/597528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34837493 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080238708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pittard; William B. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Simplified Control System for Electronic Media
Abstract
A control system with a simplified control device (10) for
direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed
navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation
functions of a media player. The simplified control device (10)
includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys
(20-26) and navigation keys (30-36), which transmit programmable
number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select
keys (20-26) are visually associated with icons displayed by the
medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are
dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software
instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a
direct-select key (20-26) cause the media player to access the
associated content and/or instructions. The simplified remote
control device (10) also includes navigation keys (30-36)
associated with software instructions stored on the DVD, so that
navigation operations are consistent for any media player that
reads from the DVD. Dedicated keys can also be included.
Inventors: |
Pittard; William B.; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Cernetic; Scott; (Redondo Beach,
CA) ; Wain; Duncan; (Palos Verdes Estates,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770, Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
Scope Seven Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34837493 |
Appl. No.: |
10/597528 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
February 1, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/02843 |
371 Date: |
September 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60541466 |
Feb 2, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/4.3 ;
341/176; G9B/19.004 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/42204 20130101;
H04N 2005/4435 20130101; H04N 21/42226 20130101; H04N 5/4403
20130101; G08C 23/04 20130101; G11B 19/027 20130101; G08C 17/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/825.22 ;
341/176; 340/825.69 |
International
Class: |
G08C 17/00 20060101
G08C017/00; G08C 19/00 20060101 G08C019/00 |
Claims
1. A control system comprising: a transmitter for transmitting
command signals to a media control system that executes machine
instructions associated with media content, wherein the machine
instructions can be selectively associated with the command
signals; a direct-select key in communication with the transmitter
and having a property that is replicated in an icon on a display of
the media control system, wherein the property associates the
direct-select key with the icon on the display such that activation
of the direct-select key causes the transmitter to transmit a first
command signal to instruct the media control system to initiate an
operation that is selectively associated with the icon; and a
navigation key in communication with the transmitter, activation of
the navigation key causing the transmitter to transmit a second
command signal to instruct the media control system to perform a
navigation operation that is defined by the machine instructions
such that the navigation operation will be the same for any of a
plurality of media control systems which access the machine
instructions.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises
one of an infrared transmitter and a radio frequency
transmitter.
3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the property is at least
one of a shape and a color.
4. The control system of claim 1, wherein activation of the
direct-select key causes the transmitter to transmit the first
command signal to instruct the media control system to initiate one
of a menu, a media asset, a change in a setting, and a navigation
operation.
5. The control system of claim 1, wherein the navigation operation
comprises one of a back operation to a prior section of content, a
repeat operation to a beginning of a current section of content, a
forward operation to a next section of content, and a home
operation to activate a prior level menu.
6. The control system of claim 1, wherein an additional command
signal can be selected to be transmitted with each of the first
command signal and the second command signal for those media
control systems that require the additional command signal.
7. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a memory
storing a plurality of selectable sets of command signals that
correspond to a plurality of media control systems, wherein the
control system can be set to use one of the plurality of selectable
sets for transmitting the first and second command signals.
8. The control system of claim 1, wherein the machine instructions
conform to a digital versatile disc (DVD) specification.
9. The control system of claim 1, wherein the control system
replaces a native remote control device that was designed
specifically for use with the media control system and which
includes predefined keys, which when activated, causes predefined
command signals to be transmitted to the media control system to
perform predefined operations.
10. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a housing
that is sized and shaped to be held with one of one and two hands
and wherein the transmitter, the direct-select key, and the
navigation key are exposed through orifices in the housing.
11. The control system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
of: additional direct-select keys and additional navigation keys
such that a total number of keys is within a number permitted by a
DVD video specification for programmable number keys; and a
dedicated key that activates a predefined operation of the media
control system.
12. A method for controlling operations associated with electronic
media content, comprising: providing a control device that
communicates with a media content access device, wherein the
control device includes: a direct-select key associated with a
first command signal that can be communicated from the control
device to the media content access device upon activation of the
direct-select key and wherein the first command signal corresponds
to a non-reserved first programmable command signal recognized by
the media content access device; and a navigation key associated
with a second command signal that can be communicated from the
control device to the media content access device upon activation
of the navigation key and wherein the second command signal
corresponds to a non-reserved second programmable command signal
recognized by the media content access device; displaying an icon
that shares a property of the direct-select key and that is
dynamically associated with an operation of the media content
access device; performing a direct-selection operation with the
media content access device if the first command signal is detected
by the media content access device as a result of activation of the
direct-select key on the remote control device; and performing a
navigation operation with the media content access device to
navigate to a desired portion of the electronic media content if
the second command signal is detected by the media content access
device as a result of activation of the navigation key on the
remote control device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the direct-select operation
comprises one of accessing a menu, accessing a media asset,
changing a setting, and navigating to a portion of the electronic
media content.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the navigation operation
comprises one of a back operation to a prior section of content, a
repeat operation to a beginning of a current section of content, a
forward operation to a next section of content, and a home
operation to activate a prior level menu.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the property is at least one of
a shape and a color.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the direct-select operation and
the navigation operation are implemented with machine instructions
that conform to a digital versatile disc (DVD) specification.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising dynamically
associating the icon with a different operation of the media
content access device after the direct-select operation is
performed.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising detecting an
additional command signal before performing one of the
direct-select operation and the navigation operation.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: displaying
instructions to a user to enter a code value with the remote
control device to set the remote control device to transmit the
first command signal and the second command signal in conformance
with the media content access device; detecting a test command
signal from the remote control device within a predefined period;
and providing a success message to the user if the test command
signal is detected within the predefined period.
20. A machine readable medium storing data and instructions that
cause a media content access device to perform the operations of:
displaying an icon that shares a property of a direct-select key of
a control device; dynamically associating the icon with a
direct-select operation associated with electronic media content
stored on the machine readable medium; performing the direct-select
operation with the media content access device if a first command
signal is detected by the media content access device as a result
of activation of the direct-select key on the control device; and
performing a navigation operation with the media content access
device to navigate to a desired portion of the electronic media
content if a second command signal is detected by the media content
access device as a result of activation of a navigation key on the
control device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to an interactive media
control system, and more specifically to a simplified control
system that associates a limited set of keys with command signals
to enable dynamic interaction with multi-media content through
consistent and cursorless navigation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Remote control devices are commonly used to control
electronic devices such as televisions (TVs), radios, video
cassette recorders (VCRs), digital versatile disc (DVD) players,
digital video recorders (DVRs), and the like. Remote control
devices usually include arrow keys, a rocker switch, or a
thumbstick for navigating through options or menus displayed on a
screen. The options or menu are typically displayed with icons or
text that has no relation to any of the keys on the remote control.
Remote control devices also usually include some reserved
navigation keys that enable a user to choose content. Conventional
reserved navigation keys have predefined command signals. For
example, if a user presses a "Back" key on a conventional remote
control device, a predefined command signal is transmitted to the
DVD-player. The DVD player recognizes the command signal and
returns to a previous portion of the DVD content. However, not all
DVD players use the command signal for the exact same function.
Some DVD players interpret the signal as a command to return to the
beginning of a current section of the content. Other DVD players
interpret the signal as a command to return to the beginning of a
prior section of the content.
[0003] Universal remote controls can be programmed to emulate one
or more native remote controls of manufacturers' devices. For
example, universal remote controls include command sets for TVs and
DVD players, so that a user can control both devices with a single
universal remote control. Such universal remote controls usually
include command sets for a variety of TV and DVD player
manufacturers. When a user programs a universal remote control, the
user typically selects a command set corresponding to one
manufacture's device, such as one manufacturer's DVD player. Some
universal remote controls also enable a user to switch between
multiple DVD players. In any case, each command set typically
includes predefined command signals that are reserved for
conventional navigation keys. The predefined navigation commands
are typically assigned to corresponding, dedicated navigation keys.
Dedicated keys increase the complexity of native remote controls
and universal remote controls.
[0004] Also, a universal remote does not make navigation consistent
between differing DVD players. For example, the Back key on a
universal remote control will not cause differing DVD players to
perform the same Back operation. For instance, use of a universal
remote control will not cause all DVD players to return to the
beginning of a current section of the media content. Thus, current
universal remote controls may be able to control multiple devices,
but current universal remote controls do not necessarily provide
consistent control of differing devices. This may cause confusion
for users with multiple devices, such as different models of DVD
players in multiple rooms of a house, in one or more vehicles
(e.g., minivan DVD players), and/or other uses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Noh-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0006] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will be made to the following Detailed Description of the
Invention, which is to be read in association with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of a simplified remote control
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary
simplified remote control, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary DVD
player;
[0010] FIG. 4A is a sample display of a menu from which a user may
directly select access to other menus and/or additional multi-media
content;
[0011] FIG. 4B is a sample display of a menu from which a user may
directly select access to audio content of animal sounds;
[0012] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for
setting the simplified remote control to use signals compatible
with a user's particular model of DVD player;
[0013] FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for
setting the simplified remote control to transmit one or more
additional commands along with a number key signal for certain
models of DVD players; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic
performed by the DVD player according to software instructions and
content stored on the DVD.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific
exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This
invention may, however, may be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other
things, the present invention may be embodied as methods and/or
devices. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense.
[0016] Briefly stated, the invention is directed to a control
system that associates a limited set of keys with non-reserved
command signals to enable dynamic interaction with multi-media
content through navigation of programmed menu options. In general,
dedicated keys, with dedicated command signals that control
dedicated functions embedded in a media access device are not
needed. Instead, programmable keys are associated with command
signals that can control dynamically changeable operations that are
accessed and executed by the media access device along with
multi-media content. Even predefined navigation operations are
implemented with the programmable keys and the embedded code
accessed by the media access device, rather than with dedicated
keys and dedicated functions of the device. However, dedicated keys
can be included with the control system to activate reserved
operations, such as Back and Forward operations of a network
browser program.
Illustrative Simplified Remote Control
[0017] An exemplary embodiment is described in terms of a
simplified remote control system for interaction with multi-media
content reproduced by a conventional DVD player, although the
invention is not so limited. The invention can be applied to any
control device that can control any of a variety of electronic
devices and media access means, such as DVD players, DVRs, set top
boxes, game devices, audio equipment, computing devices, network
access devices, lights, machines, and the like. The following
exemplary embodiment is specifically described in terms of a remote
control device for use by a child to control a DVD player for
interaction with entertainment and/or educational content stored on
a DVD.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of a simplified remote control 10
according to one embodiment of the invention. Simplified remote
control 10 includes a housing 12 that is sized and shaped to be
easy for a child to use. Simplified remote control 10 may be sized
and shaped for a child to freely hold in one or two hands, to set
on a surface, and/or to be integrated into another device.
Simplified remote control 10 also includes any number of keys to
activate predefined and/or programmable operations. The invention
can be applied to remote control devices that use conventional keys
and corresponding dedicated and programmable operations. However,
simplified remote control 10 is one example of, but not limited to,
a specialized remote control device with a limited set of keys that
makes it easy for a child to interact with software and media
content that conforms to an industry standard DVD-Video
specification. Details on the DVD-Video specification are available
via the DVD Forum (www.dvdforum.org) and the DVD Format/Logo
Licensing Corporation (www.dvdfllc.co.jp), both of Tokyo Japan.
[0019] To interact with software controlled media content, a number
of keys, referred to as direct-select keys 20-26, can be
dynamically associated with operations that change throughout the
course of a DVD program. For example, each key shape and/or color
can be associated with a similarly shaped and/or colored icon
displayed on a TV to enable a user to select from a plurality of
operations programmed along with DVD media content. Each icon may
be associated with a predefined portion of media, such as a video
clip, and/or associated with an operation to be performed by the
DVD player. Depressing a direct-select key, causes the DVD player
to execute a programmed DVD operation. Such operations can include
jumping to a particular location on the DVD and playing the content
at that location, switching audio streams such as a different
language, or other operations. This direct-select navigation does
not require cursor-based navigation to reach the desired content.
For example, conventional control systems typically require the
user to manipulate arrow keys or a thumbstick to move a
highlighting cursor over menu items, up and down a hierarchical
menu structure, or through drop-down menus. The user usually
presses the enter key once the user navigates to the desired
operation. However, direct-select navigation enables the user to
directly access the desired content with one click of one key.
[0020] In addition, a number of navigation keys 30-36 can be
associated with navigation operations defined by programs on the
DVD, rather than using conventional dedicated navigation functions
that are embedded in the DVD player. Using consistent programs on
the DVDs enables a user to navigate through the DVD media content
in a consistent manner regardless of the make or model of DVD
player. A Back key 32 can be used to activate a program from the
DVD that causes the DVD player to return to the beginning of a
prior content section. Whereas, a repeat key 36 can be used to
activate a program from the DVD that causes the DVD player to
return to the beginning of a currently viewed content section.
These keys will consistently activate the same programs and cause
the same operations, regardless of which DVD player is running the
DVD.
[0021] Similarly, a Forward key 34 can be used to consistently
cause the DVD player to skip to the beginning of the next content
section, rather than skip the whole next content section. These
navigation operations can be relative to the level of a current
content section. For example, if the current content section is at
a chapter level, the program can interpret Forward key 34 as a
command to skip to the next chapter. However, if the current
content section is at a scene level, the program can interpret
Forward key 34 as a command to skip to the next scene. A Home key
30 can be used to cause the DVD player to jump to a most recent
menu, rather than all the way to a top menu. If desired, the disc
program can be coded to produce the opposite operations, and/or
other operations. However, the operations will be consistent,
regardless of which DVD player runs the disc program.
[0022] Activating programmed navigation operations and
direct-select operations is performed with programmable number key
codes. Software provided on a DVD enables the DVD player to
interpret a received number key code as a command to perform a
consistent navigation operation or another operation that is
currently associated with a selected key. Depressing a key on
simplified remote control 10 causes one or more transmitters to
transmit a number key code to a receiver in the DVD player.
Predefined codes can also be used with dedicated keys on the remote
control to activate predefined operations, such as predefined
navigation operations of a browser program, a predefined pause
operation, a predefined stop operation, and the like.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary
simplified remote control, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The simplified remote control may include many more or
fewer components than those shown. The components shown, however,
are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for
practicing the invention. The simplified remote control includes a
controller 50 that coordinates remote control processes. Controller
50 is in communication with one or more transmitters 52, such as
infrared transmitters, radio frequency (RF) transmitters, wired
communication interfaces, and the like. If multiple transmitters
are used, they can be connected in serial or parallel, but parallel
connections prevent failure of remaining transmitters if one
transmitter fails. Controller 50 is also in communication with a
keypad 54, which includes the keys illustrated and discussed with
regard to FIG. 1. Keypad 54 can include multiple types of keys on
multiple faces of the remote control. A memory 56 provides
permanent and temporary storage for instructions and data used by
controller 50. A power supply 58, such as a battery, provides power
to other components of the remote control.
Illustrative Media Control
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary DVD
player. The DVD player may include many more or fewer components
than those shown. The components shown, however, are sufficient to
disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the invention.
The DVD player includes a processor 60 that coordinates media
playing processes. Processor 60 is in communication with one or
more receivers 62, such as infrared receivers, RF receivers, and
the like. Processor 60 is also in communication with a drive 64,
which may be internal or external. Drive 64 can include a permanent
medium, such as a magnetic disk, and/or a removable medium 65, such
as an optical DVD. Permanent or removable medium stores content and
machine instructions used by processor 60. The content and/or
machine instructions could also be accessed from a remote source
through a communication network (not shown), such as from a cable
service provider, a streaming media provider, and the like. A
memory 66 can also provide permanent and/or temporary storage for
instructions and data used by processor 60. A power supply 68, such
as a battery, provides power to other components of the remote
control. Processor 60 and/or memory 66 are further in communication
with a display interface 70, which communicates image data to a
display 72, such as an external TV and/or an integrated monitor.
The exemplary DVD player may also include an audio interface,
speakers, an LED display, status lights, auxiliary ports, and/or
other components.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a sample display 74 of a menu from which a user
may directly select access to other menus, additional multi-media
content, and/or other operations. The menu of this embodiment is
comprised of content stored on a removable medium, such as a DVD.
In this embodiment, controlling software is also obtained from the
DVD and instructs the DVD player to retrieve and display the
content as shown in sample display 74. Included in the content are
a set of icons 80-86, which are displayed with a shape and/or color
similar to keys 20-26 of simplified remote control 10 shown in FIG.
1. Icons 80a-86a of FIG. 4A may be associated with textual
descriptions 81a-87a and/or graphics 81b-87b, respectively. Icons
80a-86a can also be associated with audio descriptions. Each
textual description, audio description, and/or graphic indicates
another menu level, an activity, a portion of multi-media content,
an action, and/or other data or operation that is accessible if a
user activates a corresponding key on the simplified remote control
that has the similar shape and/or color as the associated icon. For
example, text 82a and graphic 8b indicate that the user can access
a menu of animal sounds if the user depresses direct-select key 22
on simplified remote control 10 that corresponds to icon 82.
[0026] Depressing a direct-select key causes simplified remote
control 10 to transmit a signal corresponding to a programmable
number key of a native remote control device. For instance,
depressing direct-select key 22 causes simplified remote control 10
to transmit a signal corresponding to programmable number key 5 of
a remote control device that is native to the DVD player being used
to display the content. The DVD player receives the signal and
determines that the signal corresponds to programmable number key
5. The DVD player notifies the controlling software that
programmable number key 5 was depressed. The controlling software
then executes instructions associated with programmable number key
5. In this case, the controlling software executes a LinkPGCN
instruction, which conforms to the DVD-Video specification and
causes the DVD player to link to a specific program chain. The
program chain causes the DVD player to access and display another
portion of content from the DVD. In the above example, the other
portion of content comprises a menu of animal sounds.
[0027] FIG. 4B is a sample display 76 of a menu from which a user
may directly select access to audio content of animal sounds. Icons
80b-86b are displayed with a shape and/or color similar to
direct-select keys 20-26 of simplified remote control 10 shown in
FIG. 1. Icons 80b-86b of FIG. 4B may be associated with
corresponding textual descriptions, audio descriptions, and/or
graphics 91-97. Each textual description, audio description, and/or
graphic indicates an animal for which audio content is available.
For example, the user can access and hear a chicken sound if the
user depresses direct-select key 20 on simplified remote control 10
that corresponds to icon 80b.
[0028] Depressing direct-select key 20 causes simplified remote
control 10 to transmit a signal corresponding to programmable
number key 4. The DVD player notifies the controlling software that
programmable number key 4 was depressed, and the controlling
software executes the associated instructions. In this case, the
controlling software executes a JumpVTS_TT instruction, which
causes the DVD player to jump to a particular video title set and
title on the DVD. In the above example, the specified video title
set and title can include visual and/or audio media assets of a
crowing chicken, which is played by the DVD player.
[0029] Other types of operations can also be associated with the
direct-select keys. For example, one of the direct-select keys
could be associated with a multi-angle operation that enables the
user to switch to different views of the crowing chicken. Another
direct-select key could be associated with an audio stream
operation that enables the user to switch to different crowing
sounds of different chicken breeds. A further example includes a
subpicture operation that activates a sub-display over the primary
display. Yet another example is a settings operation that enables
the user to change settings of variables such as the score for an
interactive game. Conceptually, any operation can be associated
with a direct-select key, including navigation operations, which
could enable the navigation keys to be eliminated and thereby
control sequencing. This might be useful in an educational
embodiment, which could require a student to complete a set of
operations before providing navigation operations that might enable
the user to go back to a previous portion or skip forward to a
different portion of content, such as a reward game. Alternatively,
one or more existing navigation keys can be dynamically locked out
be associating the navigation key with a null operation.
[0030] However, separate navigation keys are generally provided,
and each navigation key is also associated with a programmable
number key, which is used to execute one or more instructions
provided on the DVD (or accessible from another source). In this
way, the controlling software can provide consistent navigation,
regardless of which DVD player is executing the controlling
software. Some or all of the navigation keys may be inactivated
during the display of certain portions of the content. For example,
while a menu of multiple selections is displayed, the controlling
software may ignore the Forward navigation key, because it may be
unclear which portion of content should be accessed. Alternatively,
the controlling software may interpret the Forward navigation key
to access the each selectable portion of content in a sequence.
Logic
[0031] Although the controlling software can be run on any DVD
player, the simplified remote control must be able to transmit
programmable number key signals that a particular DVD player will
recognize. Many DVD players require differing signals and/or
sequences of signals to recognize programmable number keys. Thus,
the simplified remote control must be set to transmit signals
associated with the user's particular model of DVD player.
[0032] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for
setting the simplified remote control to use signals compatible
with a user's particular model of DVD player. At an operation 100,
the user inserts a programming DVD into the DVD player. The
programming DVD includes software and content for instructing the
user on how to "program" the simplified remote control. The
programming software and content can be stored on its own DVD or
included on a DVD with other content, such as entertainment
content. At an operation 102, the DVD player loads and executes the
programming software, which causes the DVD player to display text
and/or audio/visual instructions to the user. The instructions
include information on how the user should set the simplified
remote control into a programming mode, which the user does at an
operation 104. Activating programming mode can be implemented with
a switch provided on the simplified remote control, pressing a
combination of keys on the simplified remote control, or other
methods.
[0033] Once in the programming mode, the simplified remote control
switches a macro setting to off. The macro setting indicates
whether one or more additional command signals must be transmitted
with a programmable number key signal. For example, some DVD
players require an "Enter" signal following a number key signal
before these DVD players will accept the number key signal as a
valid command from a remote control. When using the native remote
control with one of these DVD players, a user would press a number
key and also press an Enter key. Although this two-step process may
prevent unintended number key commands, this two-step process can
be cumbersome for some users, especially children. The two-step
process is also inconsistent with other DVD players that do not
require the additional Enter signal. To make use of the simplified
remote control consistent for any DVD player, the simplified remote
control can be programmed with a macro setting that will
automatically send the additional command signal(s) if needed.
Initially, however, the macro setting is set to off.
[0034] At an operation 108, the user enters a model code into the
simplified remote control. The model code identifies the make and
model of the DVD player with which the simplified remote control
will interface. The user may enter the model code with the
navigation keys and/or the direct-select keys. Alternatively, the
simplified remote control can be equipped with a secondary keypad
that may be hidden within a covered portion of the simplified
remote control. Based on the model code entered, the simplified
remote control accesses its memory at an operation 110 for a
corresponding command set. This access may be performed with a
look-up table, as a calculation based on the model code, or other
access method.
[0035] At an operation 112, the user then presses a key that was
specified in the instructions that were displayed to the user. For
example, the instructions may ask the user to press the Repeat key
as a test. At an operation 114, the simplified remote control
determines the number key value associated with pressed key (as
defined by the command set of the model code), and transmits the
corresponding number key signal to the DVD player.
[0036] At a decision operation 116, the DVD player receives the
number key signal and determines whether the signal is recognized
by the DVD player. If the DVD player does not recognize the number
key signal, the DVD player will ignore it. Alternatively, the DVD
player may interpret the number key signal as a command other than
the intended command, which may cause the DVD player to perform an
unexpected action. This would indicate to the user that the entered
model code was not correct. If the DVD player does not react at all
to the number key signal for a predetermined period, the software
instructions cause the DVD player to access and display
instructions at an operation 118, which tell the user to try a
different model code. However, if the DVD player recognizes the
number key signal, the DVD player notifies the software of the
number received. Additional logic is continued in FIG. 5B via a
connector A.
[0037] FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic for
setting the simplified remote control to transmit one or more
additional commands along with a number key signal for certain
models of DVD players. At an operation 120, the software that was
read from the DVD causes the DVD player to access and display
content that instructs the user to test a key on the simplified
remote control, such as one of the direct-select keys or one of the
navigation keys. The software also causes the DVD player to start a
timer. The user presses the key, at an operation 124. Accordingly,
the simplified remote control determines the corresponding number
key code and transmits the number key code signal to the DVD
player.
[0038] At a decision operation 126, the DVD player determines
whether it has received a valid number key command and can pass the
received number key code to the software that was read from the
DVD. If the DVD player is a model that does not require an
additional command signal, such as an Enter signal, the DVD player
will immediately relay the received number key code to the
software. In that case, the software causes the DVD player to
access and display a "Success" screen, which indicates to the user
that the simplified remote control is properly set. The software
may be defined to react only to a specific number key code or to
any of the number key codes.
[0039] However, if the DVD player is a model that requires an
additional command signal, such as an Enter signal, the DVD player
will not be capable of relaying only the number key code to the
software, because the DVD player will be expecting the additional
command signal. In that case, the software timer will run until it
expires. When the software timer expires, the software causes the
DVD player to access and display alternate content that instructs
the user to set a "Macro" code in the simplified remote control,
and to then to retest the key. The Macro code can be set by a
switch on the simplified remote control, by pressing a combination
of keys, and/or by other methods. After setting the Macro code, the
user presses a key at an operation 132 to repeat the test. At an
operation 134, the simplified remote control determines the
corresponding number key code and transmits the number key code
signal to the DVD player. The simplified remote control also
transmits the additional command signal, such as the Enter signal.
At decision operation 126, the DVD player receives the number key
code signal and the additional command signal, which this model of
DVD player recognizes as a valid and complete command. The DVD
player can then relay the number key code to the software, which
reacts by instructing the DVD player to access and display the
Success content at operation 128.
[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods
of programming the remote control are possible, such as simply
having the user cycle through model codes, wherein some of the
model codes correspond to command sets that already include the
macro setting to cause the Enter command to be transmitted with a
key number code. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that
a counter can also be used to detect multiple user tests. After
multiple failures, the software may instruct the DVD player to
access and display content that instructs the user to try a
different model code and/or to seek additional help.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary logic
performed by the DVD player according to software instructions and
content stored on the DVD. At an operation 140, the DVD player
loads and initializes the software from the DVD. Initialization can
include allocating memory, assigning variables, and the like. For
embodiments that do not include a removable DVD, operation 140 can
include accessing and obtaining the software, such as from a remote
electronic device through a network connection. At another initial
operation 142, the software associates a subset of the number key
codes with navigation operations controlled by the software. This
subset can be referred to as navigation number codes. The
corresponding navigation operations can be referred to as
autoaction navigation operations, because the navigation operations
can be implemented with autoaction functions defined by the
DVD-Video specification.
[0042] In one embodiment, the programmable number key code 1 is
used as a navigation number code to indicate the Back operation.
The Back operation can be implemented with a "Mov GPRM10"
autoaction function, which moves a pointer to a program chain
corresponding to the beginning of a section of content that is
prior to a current section of content. Other examples include using
number key code 2 as a navigation number code to indicate the
"Home" operation, using number key code 3 as a navigation number
code to indicate the "Forward" operation, and using number key code
8 as a navigation number code to indicate the "Repeat" operation.
During operation 142, the Repeat operation can also be set as a
default operation, which may be equivalent to the Enter function
for many conventional remote controls and DVD players. The Repeat
key could then be used as an Enter key if the software ever called
for an Enter command.
[0043] At an operation 144, the software instructs the DVD player
to access and load content from the DVD. Initial content can
comprise a menu including a number of content assets such as a
background, an audio/visual sequence, and icons that are similar in
color and/or shape to the direct-select keys. The software also
associates another subset of the number key codes with
direct-select operations at an operation 146. This second subset
can be referred to as menu number codes, which are associated with
the direct-select keys on the simplified remote control. Similar to
the autoaction navigation operations, the corresponding
direct-select operations can be referred to as autoaction
direct-select operations, because the direct-select operations can
also be implemented with autoaction functions defined by the
DVD-Video specification.
[0044] While the autoaction navigation operations will perform the
same functions regardless of the displayed content, the software
can dynamically change the autoaction direct-select operations,
depending on the menu level and/or activities made available to the
user. Each menu number code is associated with an autoaction
direct-select operation that is relevant to the current menu level.
This dynamic assignment of autoaction direct-select operations was
illustrated by the different options made available to the user in
the displays of FIGS. 4A and 4B. When the menu number codes are
dynamically assigned, the software instructs the DVD player to
display the current menu content at an operation 146. The displayed
icons are associated with currently available autoaction
direct-select operations, such as those shown in FIG. 4A.
[0045] When a user presses one of the keys, and the simplified
remote control transmits a number key code signal, the DVD player
detects the number key code at an operation 150. Depending on the
setting of the simplified remote control, the DVD player may also
detect an Enter code at an optional operation 152. As long as the
simplified remote control is properly programmed, the DVD player
recognizes the number key code and relays it to the software.
[0046] At a decision operation 154, the software determines whether
the received number key code is one of the navigation number codes.
If the received number key code is not a navigation number code,
the software determines which of the menu number codes is
associated with the received number key code. At an operation 156,
the software branches to the corresponding autoaction direct-select
operation, which comprises a sub-module of one or more
instructions. The instructions cause the DVD player to access and
present content at an operation 158, such as a next menu, a
multi-media performance, and the like. As indicated above,
operation 158 can also comprise an action such as switching view
angle, audio stream, subpicture stream, variable settings, and the
like.
[0047] Conversely, if the received number key code is a navigation
number code, the software determines which navigation number code
is associated with the received number key code. At an operation
160, the software branches to the corresponding, which comprises a
sub-module of one or more instructions for implementing the desired
navigation. The instructions cause the DVD player to access and
present content reached by the autoaction navigation operation. For
instance, the instructions may cause the DVD player to access and
display a prior section of content if the Back key was pressed.
[0048] After performing the navigation operation or presenting the
direct-select content, the software may optionally branch to a next
menu at an operation 164. The next menu may be identified in the
instructions of the autoaction navigation operation or the
autoaction direct-select operation. Software control then return to
operation 144 to load the next menu content and continue until
selects an Exit operation provided by the software.
[0049] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. For example, the remote control device can be
adapted to control access to markup language content through a
network. The remote control device could be used in place of a
keyboard and/or mouse, which may be easier for children, seniors,
and/or disabled users. The software associated with the
direct-select keys and the navigation keys could also provide
parental control and/or other controlled access to web content
and/or other media. Since many embodiments of the invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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